HAWE

The only problem with 7/8th scale is the equipment is often too large to operate on friends G scale layouts. I had a look around for a small prototype that would fit within the the G scale loading gauge. I found a suitable prototype in the HAWE a small self propelled flat wagon used in the Netherlands. I found a Geocities page with heaps of photos of the prototype and some technical information. The key dimensions for building my interpretation of the HAWE are 3300mm long, 1000mm wide.

The model isn’t intended to be a exact scale model the goal was to capture the look and feel of the HAWE. I decided to build the model from brass sections which is a first for me however it gives the model some weight.

For the driverS step I got some neat 1:14 scale tread plate from Aussie RC. Aussie RC also had 3D printed oil drums that supplied a suitable load. Without the oil drums there is no real reference to scale and it may be mistaken for a G scale wagon when out visiting.

Mechanism

I purchased a N20 motor with metal gearbox from Aliexpress. The N20 motor I ended up using is 3v with a no load output speed of 200rpm. I’m really impressed with the quality of this cheap motor and will be using these in future projects.

The motor output is connected to the axles using sprockets and chain from MotionCo. Wheels, axles and axle boxes are from Binnie Engineering and apparently 30% glass fibre 70% nylon. They should last in this sort of low power application however time will tell.

My model HAWE true to prototype is battery powered and in the principle of KISS the control is a simple on/off switch.

This has been my first attempt at scratch building a mechanism. The 1000 rpm version of this motor doesn’t have enough torque so the model isn’t the fastest item in our fleet although it travels at a nice prototypical speed. Overall this mechanism seems to operate well and I’ll be using a similar set up on my next project.